(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse have begun a visit to the Czech Republic from April 16-18. The visit will offer a chance to discuss ways to boost cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education, and labor export. Vietnam will also take this opportunity to ask for Czech support in its relations with the EU, particularly the signing of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement.
 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
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Vietnam and the Czech Republic established diplomatic ties in February, 1950 and since then the friendly relationship and multifaceted cooperation have been nurtured by the leaders and people of both countries. Vietnam has always given priority to improving relations with Central and Eastern Europe countries, including the Czech Republic.
Vietnam, Czech Republic: important partners
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to the Czech Republic is significant. It is the first Prime Minister visit in 12 years and closely precedes the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
In addition to exchanging high-level delegations, the localities and sectors of the two countries have cooperated. Two good examples are the Quang Ninh-Karlovy Vary and Kien Giang-Usty Nad Nabem cooperation. The Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation has met regularly. The 6th meeting was held in Hanoi in last April.
Bilateral economic, trade, and investment relations have been reinforced over the years. Last year, Vietnam ranked 36th among more than 200 trade partners of the Czech Republic. Vietnam is the 28th biggest investor in the Czech Republic. Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ho Minh Tuan said the growth could have been even greater.
 Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ho Minh Tuan |
“Doubling revenue in 5 years is good, but it falls short of the potential. A few Czech businesses are doing small projects in Vietnam. Both countries have organized meetings and seminars to boost economics, trade, and investment,” Tuan said.
Prospects for Vietnam-Czech relations
Prime Minister Phuc is scheduled to hold talks with the Czech Prime Minister, meet with the President and Speakers of the Lower House, deliver a speech at the Vietnam-Czech Business Forum, and meet with the local Vietnamese community. Ambassador Tuan said: “We know that Czech businesses are interested in Vietnam’s automobile industry, electricity, consumer goods, services, and entertainment projects. Bamboo Airway will discuss with Czech partner, opening direct flights between the two countries. That will be good news for the governments, peoples, and businesses because it will shorten the geographic distance and strengthen bilateral ties.”
The two countries are scheduled to sign cooperative agreements between their localities and sectors.